Starbucks Loses Discrimination Case to Supervisor with Dyslexia

A worker was not given the correct training to help with her dyslexia that was made known to management when she was hired. She requested visual aids and extra training to be able to do her job efficiently even though she has difficulty with numbers, letters and words. She was then reprimanded when her work was not up to standards of the company.

According to Fernette Eide, MD, Co-Founder Dyslexic Advantage, “Dyslexia should not be invisible in the workplace.” Starbucks had failed to make reasonable adjustments for Ms Kumulchew’s disability and had discriminated against her because of the effects of her dyslexia.

Starbucks was then brought to court over discrimination towards the worker with dyslexia. They were found guilty and now are offering better training and knowledge for employees about dyslexia. Now employees will have better knowledge and learn ways to help those with dyslexia and allow them to continue in the workplace as equals to others.

Key Takeaways:

Starbucks recently lost a discrimination lawsuit against an employee who has been diagnosed with dyslexia.

The proper education and training can show employees and employers the benefits dyslexic people have to offer in the work environment.

The Dyslexic Advantage has called on all employers and human resource departments to educate and address dyslexia awareness in the workplace.

Author: Fernette Eide

Author Quote “

Meseret had let her employer know that she was dyslexic, had difficulty with words and numbers, and learned best by being shown tasks visually. When some errors were found in her entries of refrigerator temperatures, however, she was accused of fraud, reassigned from her duties, and told to undergo retraining.

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